Your Vote Counts...share with your family and friends

During election years, most attention seems focused on national and state elections, but local elections are where change starts. The most visible change might also be seen at the local level since it can take a while for what federal and state governments do to have an effect locally. 


From property taxes to potholes and how schools are run, most of the issues that affect daily life are decided at the local level. Now, more than ever, young people need elected officials who represent their points of view on the city council, county board and school board. These elected officials can make progress happen - or not. 
 
Law enforcement is also local. Your city council and county commissioners play a role in law enforcement and the local criminal justice system. They pass ordinances for city police and the county sheriff and deputies to enforce. Did you know it is against city law to use skateboards on downtown sidewalks or that people who don’t live in the city limits can serve on the library board? The sheriff, county attorney and judges are also elected and are responsible for enforcing local laws. When these people are campaigning, it is good to think of yourself as the boss and of them as people interviewing for a job. That is the way democracy works best. Make sure the people you vote for will work for you.

Community development is local. Day care and affordable housing are issues that our city and county officials can act on or provide support for. 


It is also much easier for those of us in rural areas to have some direct contact and discussion with local candidates as well as office holders and therefore to be an informed voter. The Park Rapids League of Women Voters makes this even easier by hosting candidate forums for local elections. We held six forums in this election cycle. You can watch videos of these forums at http://lwvparkrapidsarea.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_98.html

Remember that your vote counts. In Breezy Point, MN, it took a coin flip to determine a City Council position due to a tie. 

If you have questions about how to vote, where to vote or where to find information, called the Hubbard County Courthouse, ask your local League of Women Voters or the local parties.  You can vote in person now at the courthouse or show up at your polling place on Nov 6th.